I think it’s a great idea! It’s the same idea I’ve had for myself when I pass away for thepast 5 years or so. That and the Universe Song.
Part of me likes the idea. Another part of me would be made incredibly uncomfortable by that song under the circumstances.
Of course, I won’t be there, but I wonder what causes the mental discomfort I’m feeling? Dunno.
So sorry about your brother. May all of your memories of him be joyous ones.
Definitely go for it. If people don’t understand…it’s not your problem.
We had a nice sound system brought in so we could play Spirit in the Sky at my dad’s memorial service. It definitely wasn’t traditional funeral music for this area, but no one complained.
If you want to be safe, do a wake separately from the funeral itself. Do all the offensive things at the wake.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Sudden deaths can be scary, because it reminds us it could happen to* us*!
Although I’m traditionally minded myself I think you really, *really * need to slip that song in! It could lighten some hearts.
I attended the funeral, in church, of a man who’d been, for many years, the head librarian at my high school. Well respected and nationally known in his profession, he even has a book award named for him. Anyway, as the casket was being taken from the church a dirge-like tune was playing, that seemed hauntinly familiar. I finally recognized it as a slow version of our school song! That kind of joke made me smile some.
Ditto. I think it would be greatly appreciated by those who knew him.
When you say “play” what does that mean? Play a CD, or have someone play it on the piano (like I assume will be the case with the soloist)? If you mean the latter, have the song played but not sung. The right people would understand the significance, and those who are likely to be upset about it would be unlikely to recoginize it to cause a stink.
Google around for John Cleese’s eulogy for Graham Chapman. It’s one of the funniest things you’ll ever see. At the end, everybody sings “Bright Side…”.
I lost my brother in '99 in a very similar fashion. (out of the blue, embolism)
It bugs me to this day that I didn’t get to play the song I wanted.
so ummm…
**
PLAY IT!**
Given what you’ve said about your brother and your mother, Avarie537, I think you have to do it! I’m sorry for your loss, too, but I think it’s good that you’ve picked a fitting tribute and I think you should go for it.
I agree with other posters who have said forge ahead - let your mom have her Christian song, let other people do what they need to do to endure - you play your song and never forget your brother.
My condolences.
I’m sorry for your loss, Avarie537.
My mother gave us instructions as to the music we should play at her funeral: Elvis. None of that fake-dirgey-churchy stuff. So we did. Everyone there “got it” because they knew she loved Elvis’ music. At the final viewing (where everyone walks past the casket for the last time), they cued up “Love Me Tender.” It was appropriate for her.
If you feel that “Bright Side of Life” is appropriate for your brother, then do it.
My condolences as well.
I would think that, if you made it clear up front that he would have wanted you to do it, the mourners will go along. Funerals don’t *have * to be sad, and if you advertise it as a *celebration * of his life there might be those who appreciate it.
One suggestion, though - a slight word change, the one Art Garfunkel made when singing it over the credits to “As Good As It Gets”. Instead of “Life’s a piece of shit”, use “Life’s a counterfeit”. No need to offend.
Very sorry for the loss. I think the song is a wonderful idea (and I too want to steal it), but perhaps you or the director or someone can say something briefly before the song is played, perhaps, ‘my brother, always with a sense of humor and a fan of all things Monty Python, would always want us to look at the brighter side of life’, and then lead into the song.
Liking Monty Python & being religious aren’t mutually exclusive. I first heard of MPFC (positively) by the college students helping with the teens at my mildly fundist church.
You must do it. Prepare, if necessary, something for the brochure explaining why you’ve done it, but don’t give anyone veto power over it.
Something that perfect will be remembered and talked about by his friends and loved ones forever. Outrage by those who ddidn’t know him that well might even make the story better when you share it in years to come.
Do him proud. Life’s a piece of sh–, when you look at it, so…
Sailboat
WOW! Thanks for all the support. When I say “play” the song, I mean play a CD of it - because the lyrics are the whole point of the song. I’ve talked to my dad, and I will be the last person to speak. So, “Bright Side” will be the last part of the service. 
Now, do I pass out copies of the lyrics for a sing-along or not? … hmmm … 
Maybe to certain attendees who want to join in.
The sing-along sounds good to me, and I’m one of the more openly religious types around here. Go for it! Do put a note in the service leaflet explaining, but for heaven’s sake, go for it!!!
My condolences on your loss. You sound like a great sister, and I’m sure your brother will appreciate the gesture.
By the way, fellow Dopers, please put me down for a rendition of Always Look On the Bright Side of Life, too. Among other things, the gentleman I’m seeing and I got the hang of kissing to that song, and when he’s come to my church, he’s had to keep from laughing because the music reminds him of Monty Python’s stuff too much!
CJ
My deepest condolences, I lost my 26-year old brother suddenly in September and know the pain of losing a sibling.
My brother was a one-of-a-kind guy and we put together probably the wackiest memorial service ever seen: Outside in a magnificent windstorm, live bagpipers and drummers, horses, set up his campsite, schilled a college memorial fund at the service, road his mountain bike around the audience, other live singers. It was the best Irish-Scottish-Mountain man celebration ever, and he would of loved it.
This is the long way of saying that do exactly what you think your brother would have enjoyed! It will honor his memory and give you a sense of having him there.
Peace to you, Jenn
I vote for an over head projector with the words and then a laser pointer so people can follow the bouncing ball.